Self esteem in an important quality for all children to have. As parents, you can help to boost your child’s self esteem by following the steps below:

• Model good self-esteem: Express through your actions and words that you respect yourself. Children are wonderful at imitating what they see and hear. Remember, you are your child’s best role model.

• Create positive routines: Young children need routines to help them to feel secure and competent. Try to set a good schedule for bedtime, rest/naps, meals, etc. Try to keep exceptions to the routine to a minimum and explain any necessary changes if/when they occur.

• Allow many opportunities for children to contribute to the family: Give your child a job/chore that only he/she does for the family. Even a small job can have a positive lasting impact on your child’s self esteem.

• Spend time with your child: Remember quality is more important than quantity. Even if you spend just 30 minutes with your child one on one — playing games, taking walks, having long bedtime chats, or just snuggling in front of the TV, spending time with your child shows them that you value their company.

• Give your child choices: Giving your child choices between a reasonable set of options that are already predetermined by you will make them feel empowered.

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Featured Resource
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Self-Esteem Games: 300 Fun Activities That Make Children Feel Good about Themselves These joyful activities help children learn how to make friends, express feelings, trust others, accept themselves, use their imaginations, and more. The book combines upbeat, positive advice—including tips for better parenting—with step-by-step directions for each activity.

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